Introduction
Across the globe, government systems forcefully overthrow prevailing social orders in favor of new ones. Revolutions often trigger disastrous consequences in society’s economic, political infrastructural, and cultural sectors (Skidmore & Smith, 1984). In Mexico, the Revolution took place ten decades ago, while Cuba experienced its Revolution in 1960 (Jenkins, 2002). This article examines the genesis of revolutionary movements in Mexico and Cuba, my viewpoints on the significant elements in understanding the roots of the two revolutions, and the comparison between the revolutions.
History of Mexican and Cuban Revolutions
The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 with the resistance to the “Regime of Tyrant Porfirio Diaz” being started by liberals and academics (Wasserman, 2012). In the twentieth century, it was a tremendously colossal breakthrough the country ever experienced (Wolfe, 2019). Similarly, The Cuban Revolution commenced in 1953 and lasted until the rebels ousted Batista in 1958 (Wasserman, 2012). The Cuban Revolution gave birth to one of the world’s most well-known Communist administrations. Fidel Castro and Che Guevara (1967) arguably are two of the twentieth century’s most inspirational revolutionaries who governed Cuba in her world.
Factors That Led to the Mexican Revolution and Cuban Revolutions
First of all, widespread corruption is one reason for the Cuban Revolution. The leaders who voted based on integrity and honesty might have clamped down on minor infractions while neglecting more severe issues (Snyder, 2021). Nepotism forced people to accept and work within the system, understanding that they needed connections and bribes to thrive. Fraud was no longer accommodated under Batista’s regime. He inflamed public opinion by tying the government to criminal organizations and allowing Americans to manage Cuba’s economy. People were deceived and angered by the cruelty and violence that followed his power.
Consequently, the oppressive rule of Porfirio Diaz might have ignited the Revolution of Mexico in the 19th century. Throughout his reign, Diaz favored landowners and wealthy entrepreneurs, leaving the poor with few possibilities to improve their conditions (Skidmore & Smith, 1984). Diaz professed to support a more democratic government of Mexico, yet he never ceased appealing to the rich and powerful. As a result, this triggered a domino effect of independence movements led by leaders such as Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and Pascual Orozco of the north and south of México (Guevara & Zimmermann, 1967). The roots of the resolutions of Mexico might well be reduced to demand freedom from dictatorships, better working-class conditions, and the construction of a democratic government through a new constitution.
Similarities and Differences between the Cuban and Mexican Revolutions
The revolutions between Mexico and Cuba had significant similarities and differences. Although the individual leaders of Cuba and Mexico differed, there are several comparisons to the revolutionists. Mexico’s Madero and Cuba’s Castro failed in their initial uprisings (Pérez, 2012). Similarly, both were imprisoned by tyrants before being released due to political pressure. Initially, Madero claimed that he would not give up through “peaceful means” (Madero, 1910, p.35). However, due to power imbalances, Madero could not carry out the “Plan de San Louis” intentions (Madero, 1910). Consequently, the guerrillas of Mexico were not cohesive, both strategically and ideologically. Contrary to Mexicans, Cubans attach a high value to unity. Another group succeeded Madero after failing to unify his supporters under a single revolutionary theory. Despite some opposition, the tyrants of the communist and socialist revolutions eventually prevailed. Massively outnumbered, they conversely united and overcame Batista’s troops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Mexican Revolution ended despotism and established a federal democracy within the country. This Revolution is frequently considered the beginning of the twentieth century regarding political, cultural, and social significance. After a harsh era of colonization and final conquest in 1521, Mexico as a territory became the residence of one of the most sophisticated Empires: the Aztecs. On the other hand, the Cuban Revolution was an armed insurrection initiated by Fidel Castro with his Marxists of the 26th July revolution, including their supporters against the military government, Fulgencio Batista, Cuba’s incumbent president during the time. In October 1965, this movement regrouped along Marxist-Leninist principles to establish the Communist Party of Cuba.
References
Buffington, R. M., & French, W. E. (1999). The culture of modernity.
Guevara, C., & Zimmermann, M. (1967). Man and socialism in Cuba. In Guairá’s Book Institute (pp. 758-70). Che Guevara Studies Center and Ocean Press.
Jenkins, W. O. (2002). Mexico has been turned into a hell. In The Mexico reader: History, culture, politics (pp.357-363). Duke University Press.
Madero, F. I. (1910). The plan of San Luis Potosi. United States Senate.
Pérez Jr, L. A. (2012). On becoming Cuban: Identity, nationality, and culture. UNC Press Books.
Skidmore, T. E., & Smith, P. H. (1984). Modern Latin America (Vol. 7). Oxford.
Snyder, E. (2021). “Cuba, Nicaragua, Unidas Venceran”: Official Collaborations between the Sandinista and Cuban Revolutions. The Americas, 78(4), 609-637. Web.
Wasserman, M. (2012). The Mexican revolution: A brief history with documents. Macmillan Higher Education.
Wolfe, M. D. (2019). The climate of conflict: Politico-environmental press coverage and the eruption of the Mexican Revolution, 1907–1911. Hispanic American Historical Review, 99(3), 467-499. Web.